Cairns isn’t just the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef; it’s also a city full of memorable dining options that combine stunning scenery, local flavors, and unique settings. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed evening on the water, an intimate aquarium encounter, or an adventurous day followed by dinner, Cairns offers something special. We’re particularly fond of the Cairns Dinner Cruise because it captures the tropical city’s beauty with a relaxing sail and fresh seafood. The Aquarium Twilight Tour with 3-Course Dinner stands out for its combination of wildlife discovery and fine dining. And if you want to combine a full-day adventure with a spectacular rainforest dinner, the Paronella Park Rainforest Tour is worth considering. Check out these options and see which suits your style of travel.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we explore five of the best dining experiences in Cairns, each offering a different flavor of local culture and scenery. From sunset cruises to aquarium dinners and full-day rainforest adventures with dinner, there’s plenty to choose from:
- Cairns: Dinner Cruise Experience — Relax on a luxurious catamaran while enjoying fresh seafood and tropical views. Learn more
- Cairns: Aquarium Guided Twilight Tour with 3-Course Dinner — Discover marine animals changing behavior at sunset with an exclusive after-hours tour and gourmet meal. Find out more
- Cairns: Night at the Aquarium Guided Tour & 2 Course Dinner — Experience the nocturnal reef creatures with a guided tour and a delicious dinner. See details
- Paronella Park Rainforest Full-Day Tour with Dinner — Combine rainforest walks, wildlife, and storytelling with a scenic dinner in a legendary park. Explore options
- Cairns: City Sights Tour with Evening Dinner Cruise — Discover Cairns by land and water, ending with a scenic dinner cruise. Learn more
1. Cairns: Dinner Cruise Experience
When you think about enjoying Cairns’ tropical charm, nothing beats a sunset dinner cruise along Trinity Inlet. This experience is perfect if you like relaxing on the water with a glass of bubbly in hand. The luxurious air-conditioned catamaran has large outdoor decks that make it easy to soak up the scenery. As the boat glides across calm waters, you’ll enjoy a delicious hot and cold buffet featuring fresh seafood and local produce—this is a true taste of Queensland. The cruise lasts around 2.5 hours, giving you enough time to unwind and take photos of the changing sky.
What sets this tour apart is the relaxed atmosphere combined with quality food and views. The onboard licensed bar offers additional beverages and cocktails if you want to indulge further. Reviewers rate it 4.5 out of 5 based on nearly 300 reviews, praising its friendly service and beautiful setting. It’s a great choice for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a mellow, scenic evening. The cruise is particularly well-suited for those who want an elegant, fuss-free meal with a tropical backdrop.
Bottom Line: A peaceful, scenic dinner on Trinity Inlet makes for a memorable start or end to your Cairns day. Book early, as this popular cruise fills quickly.
2. Cairns: Aquarium Guided Twilight Tour with 3-Course Dinner
For those who are fascinated by marine life and want to enjoy an intimate dinner experience, this is the top pick. The aquarium twilight tour begins after-hours, giving you exclusive access to the Cairns Aquarium. You’ll be guided by a wildlife educator, who will reveal how animals like sharks, rays, and groupers change their behavior at sunset. This behind-the-scenes look at the reef’s nocturnal world is both educational and captivating.
The tour includes a 3-course dinner at the aquarium’s aquatic-themed restaurant, allowing you to dine surrounded by stunning underwater displays. The combination of learning about marine animals and enjoying gourmet food makes this a standout choice for nature lovers and families alike. With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 from over 100 reviews, guests praise the knowledgeable guide and the unique setting. It’s especially well-suited for travelers interested in marine biology or those seeking an elegant yet interactive night out.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a perfect blend of education and fine dining in a setting that immerses you in marine life. It’s a memorable experience for anyone with curiosity about the ocean.
3. Cairns: Night at the Aquarium Guided Tour & 2 Course Dinner
As the sun sets over the Great Barrier Reef, a different world awakens—one full of fascinating nocturnal creatures. This guided night tour of the Cairns Aquarium is a great way to explore the reef’s after-dark activity. Led by a knowledgeable Wildlife Educator, you’ll get up close with some of the reef’s largest nighttime predators, including sharks and rays, in an intimate setting.
The experience includes a delicious 2-course dinner with stunning underwater views as your backdrop. Reviewers love the personalized attention and the chance to see marine animals in their night-time environment. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from over 80 reviews, it offers excellent value for those interested in marine life and a slightly shorter, more casual evening than the twilight tour.
Bottom Line: If you want to combine marine education with good food and avoid a long tour, this is a smart pick. It’s ideal for families and curious travelers.
4. Paronella Park Rainforest Full-Day Tour with Dinner
For travelers craving a full-day adventure that blends rainforest scenery, storytelling, and dining, this tour is hard to beat. You start with a walk or swim at Babinda Boulders, where you might spot a Southern Cassowary in the wild. Then, you explore Paronella Park, a legendary site inspired by dreams, with its illuminated castle and lush gardens. The story of Jose Paronella’s vision for this unique park is told through a guided experience that’s both inspiring and fun.
The highlight is the orchestral light show and the chance to experience the sights and sounds of the rainforest at dusk. The dinner is included and typically features local flavors amid the park’s enchanting scenery. While this tour is quite pricier—at $65,983 per person—it’s a one-of-a-kind experience for those interested in nature, architecture, and storytelling.
Bottom Line: This full-day rainforest adventure with dinner suits travelers looking for a well-rounded, immersive experience in Queensland’s lush landscape. It’s perfect for those who want more than just a meal.
5. Cairns: City Sights Tour with Evening Dinner Cruise
Want a comprehensive look at Cairns before winding down with a dinner cruise? This day-and-evening combination tour covers the city’s highlights, including St. Monica’s Cathedral, scenic lookouts, and a guided visit to the Cairns Museum. After exploring Cairns’ cultural and natural sights, you’ll enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise on Trinity Inlet.
The 3-course buffet dinner on the cruise is a fitting finale for a full day of sightseeing. With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 8 reviews, it’s a solid choice for travelers who want an easy, structured day that ends with a scenic meal. It’s especially well suited for first-time visitors who want a broad overview with the bonus of a waterside dinner.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a convenient way to combine city sights with a scenic dinner cruise, making it perfect for those short on time but eager to experience both.
How to Choose Your Cairns Dining Experience
Selecting the right experience depends on your interests, time, and budget. If you love relaxing on the water with fresh seafood, the Cairns Dinner Cruise will suit you perfectly. For marine enthusiasts, the Aquarium Twilight Tour offers an educational twist with a gourmet meal. If you want a combination of rainforest scenery and storytelling, the Paronella Park tour offers a full-day adventure—be prepared for the price.
For a shorter, more casual evening, the Night at the Aquarium is ideal, especially if you prefer a more intimate look at marine nocturnal life. Meanwhile, if you’re keen to see Cairns’ sights and finish with a scenic waterside dinner, the City Sights Tour with Dinner Cruise fits well.
Book early for popular cruises, especially during peak season, and consider your interests—whether it’s seafood, marine life, rainforest, or city views—to find the best fit.
Cairns offers a surprising diversity of dining experiences that combine scenery, wildlife, and local flavors. Whether you opt for a relaxed sunset cruise, an immersive aquarium dinner, or a full-day rainforest adventure, each provides a memorable way to enjoy this tropical city. For most travelers, mixing a daytime tour with an evening meal makes for a balanced and unforgettable trip—so pick what appeals most, and enjoy your culinary journey in Cairns.